The encounter with the overwhelming Mercy of God in Reconciliation and the initiation into the Mystery of the Eucharist at First Holy Communion are milestones in the faith development of a child. First Communion is the first time a child receives Jesus in the form of Bread and wine at Mass. We surround this with ceremony to mark the specialness of the moment.

HOW DOES PREPARATION WORK AT OUR PARISH?

Preparation for First Communion and First Reconciliation occur together. Second grade students must be attending regular religion classes either at St. Aloysius School, at St. Aloysius Wednesday night Religious Education, or with our Home School option. Students and their families complete several assignments and activities leading up to the celebration of each sacrament.

What are the components?

Parent Meetings: Parents attend two parent meetings, one before First Reconciliation preparation begins and the other before First Communion preparation begins.Assignments:Children and their families complete activities designed to bring everyone into a deeper relationship with Jesus while introducing the sacraments and how they enrich our lives. Mass Attendance:Children and their families should be regularly attending Sunday Mass. First Reconciliation: In late November, school children make their First Reconciliation during the school day and religious education students make their sacrament in the evening. First Communion Ceremony:Families choose a parish Mass time from one of the designated times and weekends in the spring. May Crowning: School second graders wear First Communion clothes and pose for a picture following the school May Crowning Mass. Corpus Christi Procession: All students are invited to participate in the procession following 5:30 p.m. Mass and join in a potluck dinner after.

How do I register?

Registration forms are distributed through religious education classes. Students who were not baptized at St. Aloysius must provide a baptismal certificate from the parish where they were baptized.

If you are an adult seeking the Sacrament of Eucharist, information is available on the RCIA page.